Belonging is an intrinsic human need, existing on both a physical and psychological level. It is the sense of connection with people, objects or places and as a result many believe that achieving a sense of belonging allows you to live a more positive and optimistic life. As such, belonging is a value that society deems fundamental. However, despite the constructive influences formed by belonging, it inevitably coexists with its destructive reciprocal, alienation, simply because wherever one belongs, one is alienated elsewhere. Raimond Gaita's 1998 biographical memoir Romulus, My Father and Hayao Miyazaki's 2001 animated film Spirited Away both thoroughly explore concepts of belonging and alienation, employing various literary and cinematic techniques to express these ideas. Both ultimately highlight that by experiencing belonging one can exist peacefully in a community while achieving an essence of self-security. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay A sense of belonging is integral to an individual's proper functioning in a given society and is catalyzed by interactions and acceptance from others. A simple impression of acceptance gives the feeling that one's existence is recognized and that one's life has a purpose. In Romulus, my Father, Romulus' selfless treatment of Raymond "he denied himself so that I would have more, he fainted on more than one occasion," establishes a strong paternal relationship between the two, allowing them to continue to live despite the hardships endured as "times were hard, with severe shortages of everything." We see that although Gaita is neglected by his mother Christine, his steadfast bond with his father allows him to continue living unhindered and with little psychological impact. The juxtaposition between “my father's devoted care” and “his neglect” contrasts Christine's treatment of Gaita with that of Romulus and highlights how this has strengthened their bond. Therefore, it accentuates how he has matured with an optimistic psyche due to Romulus' positive treatment during his youth. Similarly, the scene in Spirited Away where Rin helps Chihiro get a job in the spirit world's bathhouse emphasizes Rin's acceptance of Chihiro despite Chihiro being a human. This is expressed through the worried tone in his question “are you feeling okay?” depicted in the wide-angle shot that captures her gently caressing Chihiro. A sense of belonging culminates from such recognition, and thus Chihiro is able to live adequately in this completely different society despite her rejection by everyone else. This hostility is captured through the staging of Chihiro standing in front of a group of workers who look at her with disgust, reinforced by one worker's use of hyperbole "it will stink the whole place up." Chihiro's ability to endure the hardships of her isolation is evident in her confident tone when she repeatedly asks Yubaba for a job: "Please, can't you give me a job?" Rin's sense of belonging despite being excluded by others is similar to Gaita's bond with Romulus, despite Christine's abandonment. Both texts effectively reinforce the importance of interactions with others in achieving a sense of belonging. One of the fundamental aspects of belonging is the essence of self-security it offers, and it is through this that one is protected from the psychological distress caused. by alienation. Gaita's first acting.